The Salzkammergut Open 2025 invites chess enthusiasts to compete in the heart of the Austrian Alps from June 6 to June 9, 2025, in the picturesque spa town of Bad Ischl. Nestled among serene mountains and historic charm, this tournament combines competitive chess with natural beauty. The event welcomes players of all levels to enjoy a well-organized open in a friendly, relaxed setting, making it a summer chess getaway unlike any other.

📅 Dates and Schedule

You can experience four exciting days of chess from Friday, June 6 through Monday, June 9, 2025. The event features seven classical rounds over a long weekend, giving you ample time to play, analyze, and unwind.

• Round 1: Friday, June 6 – 18:00
• Rounds 2 & 3: Saturday, June 7 – 09:30 and 15:00
• Rounds 4 & 5: Sunday, June 8 – 09:30 and 15:00
• Rounds 6 & 7: Monday, June 9 – 08:30 and 14:00
• Awards Ceremony: Monday, June 9 – After final round

🏛️ Venue Information

The tournament will take place at the Pfarrheim Bad Ischl, a welcoming and well-equipped venue centrally located within walking distance of hotels, cafés, and the historic Kurpark.

Venue Address:
Pfarrheim Bad Ischl
Grazerstraße 6,
4820 Bad Ischl, Austria

The venue provides a quiet and focused playing environment with comfortable seating and refreshments available.

⏱️ Time Control

The Salzkammergut Open uses FIDE-rated classical time control, ideal for competitive play:

• 90 minutes for the entire game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one

This format supports thoughtful play and fair competition across all rounds.

🗂️ Format and Number of Rounds

The tournament follows a 7-round Swiss system, ensuring dynamic pairings and balanced competition. Pairings will be generated using FIDE-approved Swiss Manager software, and games will count toward international rating updates.

🏆 Prize Fund and Awards

The total prize fund for the Salzkammergut Open 2025 is €2,460, rewarding top performances across multiple categories.

Main Prizes:

• 🥇 1st Place: €600
• 🥈 2nd Place: €400
• 🥉 3rd Place: €300

Special Prizes Include:

• Best Senior Player (60+)
• Best Junior (U18)
• Best Local Player
• Women’s Category
• Elo Category Prizes (e.g., U2000, U1800, U1600)

Organizers will present trophies, certificates, and chess-themed gifts during the award ceremony.

📝 Registration and Participation

You can register by submitting your full name, FIDE ID, Elo rating, and contact information directly to the tournament organizer. The number of participants is limited, so early registration guarantees your spot.

Eligibility:

• Open to all players with a valid FIDE ID
• No rating minimum or federation restriction

💳 Entry Fees

• General Entry: €50
• Players under 18 or over 60: €40
• Title Holders (GM, IM, WGM, WIM): Free participation (upon prior confirmation)
• Late Entry Fee (after May 31): Additional €10

Organizers accept payments via bank transfer and provide confirmation upon receipt.

✈️ Travel and 🛌 Accommodation

Getting There:
You can easily reach Bad Ischl by train via Salzburg or Linz, with scenic rail lines connecting directly to the town. For international visitors, Salzburg Airport (SZG) serves as the closest major hub.

Accommodation Options:
Bad Ischl offers a range of hotels, pensions, and guesthouses. Recommended options include:

• Hotel Goldenes Schiff
• Hotel Royal
• EurothermenResort Bad Ischl
• Budget guesthouses and private rooms

Organizers suggest booking early due to the high tourist season in the Salzkammergut region.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Director and Chief Arbiter

• Tournament Director: IO Helmut Ritter
• Chief Arbiter: FA Dieter Steininger

🧩 About the Organizer – Schachklub Bad Ischl

The Schachklub Bad Ischl has promoted the royal game in the Salzkammergut region for over 60 years. The club runs local leagues, school chess initiatives, and international tournaments with a focus on community engagement and professionalism. Their experienced organizing team brings passion, precision, and Austrian hospitality to every event.

Organizer Name: Schachklub Bad Ischl
Address: Schulgasse 1, 4820 Bad Ischl, Austria
Email: helmut.ritter@aon.at
Phone: +43 664 1234567

🔥 Why You Should Play in Salzkammergut Open 2025

You should play in the Salzkammergut Open 2025 because it offers more than just chess—it offers a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Austrian Alps while enjoying serious competition in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re aiming for prizes, rating points, or unforgettable memories, Bad Ischl welcomes you with charm, quality, and grandmaster-level organization.